A HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED open water swim fundraiser taking place at Ellesmere's Mere has been boosted with a special guest's entry.

The Mere Mile is being held on August 30 –Bank Holiday Monday –and will see swimmers take on a mile or 2.5 mile swim for the benefit of The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH).

It is being held by the League of Friends (LoF) to the hospital and thanks to a special entry, it is gaining momentum.

Applications have been flooding in, including one from RJAH's own chief medical officer Dr Ruth Longfellow.

Dr Longfellow said: “I have chosen to take part as I want to support our LoF, who have been so supportive of RJAH staff over the last 18 months during the pandemic.

"I’m also aware it been a difficult time for charities, with limited opportunities for fundraising.

“I am a keen open water swimmer and swim regularly at Alderford Lake (in Whitchurch).

They now have a late night opening every Wednesday, so I enjoy swimming after work, especially if it's been a busy, stressful day.”

Dr Longfellow has also undertaken open water swim sessions with Ellesmere-based firm Swimfinity, who are working in conjunction with the LoF to host the Mere Mile.

She added: “I had a great open water technique session with Swimfinity, improving my stroke and sighting, to make sure I swim in a straight line when in the Mere, which is much more difficult than in a pool with lanes and lines on the bottom!

“I'm really looking forward to training over the summer ready for the event at the end of August.”

Those who wish to sponsor Dr Longfellow can do so by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ruth-Longfellow

Victoria Sugden, LoF charity director, added: “We are so grateful to Ruth for undertaking the 2.5 mile challenge and helping to fundraise.

“There is a number of RJAH staff supporting the event, so definitely some friendly competition going on – a huge thanks to everyone taking part.”

Places are limited and members of the community are encouraged to register sooner rather than later.

To secure a place to undertake the mile or 2.5 mile swim please email rjah.communityfundraising@nhs.net or call 01691 404401.